Dali Shaxi Ancient Town Day Trip | A Hidden Gem to Escape the Crowds

Shaxi Ancient Town, a lesser-known gem tucked away in Dali, exudes the timeless charm of the Tea Horse Road. Free from excessive commercialization, it offers tranquility and beauty. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and encounter the purest moments. Today, I’m sharing a one-day travel guide to Shaxi Ancient Town, along with my favorite Dali Hai Tian Ta Jia Guesthouse. Let’s dive in! I. Itinerary Morning: Discover the Ancient Town’s Charm - **Square Street**: Upon arriving at Shaxi Ancient Town, head to Square Street, the heart of the town. Nearby, you’ll find the ancient theater stage, Xingjiao Temple, and Ouyang Courtyard. In the early morning, the street is quiet, with sunlight illuminating the old buildings. Each stone slab tells stories of the past. Standing before the ancient theater stage, you can imagine the lively scenes of yesteryears, as if transported back in time. Stroll along the stone-paved roads and admire the Bai-style architecture, intricate wood carvings, and unique paintings that showcase the wisdom and artistry of the Bai people. - **Yujin Bridge and Hehui River**: A 10-minute walk from Square Street leads to Yujin Bridge, a century-old bridge spanning the Hehui River, once a vital route for caravans. Standing on the bridge, you’ll see the gentle flow of the river, distant mountains, and vast fields. The breeze is refreshing, and the scenery is serene. The Hehui River below is crystal clear, occasionally revealing small fish playing in the water. A stroll along the riverbank offers a peaceful connection with nature, leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated. - **Sideng Street and Local Shops**: Return to the town and wander along Sideng Street. The street is lined with handicraft shops and tie-dye workshops. You can pick up souvenirs or try your hand at tie-dyeing to create a unique handmade piece. When you’re tired, find a café to sit down, order a rich cup of coffee, and watch the world go by outside the window. I recommend Raven Coffee for its aromatic brews and cozy ambiance. Noon: Savor Shaxi’s Local Cuisine - **Xilu Courtyard**: A favorite among locals, this restaurant offers authentic flavors at reasonable prices. Don’t miss their ham stir-fried matsutake mushrooms, a perfect blend of salty ham and fresh mushrooms, and their sheep milk cake, which is creamy and delicate. - **Ancient Road Breeze Restaurant**: For local specialties like clay pot fish or braised chicken, this is a great choice. The fish is tender, with a rich broth and a variety of vegetables, while the braised chicken is spicy and flavorful, leaving you thoroughly satisfied. - **Love and Stories Café**: If you prefer a more artistic vibe, this café is perfect. They serve light meals and delicious afternoon tea. Enjoy a dessert and a cup of tea in a cozy setting, soaking in Shaxi’s romantic and leisurely atmosphere. Afternoon: Artistic Spots and Surrounding Exploration - **Pioneer Bookstore (Shaxi Bai Bookstore)**: Converted from an old granary, Pioneer Bookstore is hailed as "China’s most beautiful rural bookstore." Its unique architecture and extensive collection of books are captivating. You can pick a book, find a quiet corner to read, or take photos at the bookstore’s iconic spots like the poetry tower and Yunnan culture book wall. Literary enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this, and you can even recreate photos from Li Xian’s visit. - **Cycling or Hiking to Nearby Villages**: Rent a bike and ride to Hualong Village or Beilong Village, exploring country roads and enjoying the pastoral scenery. With blue skies and white clouds overhead, wildflowers blooming along the way, and villagers working diligently, the journey is full of life’s charm. If you prefer hiking, a walk along the Hehui River is a great option, offering stunning riverside views and fresh air. - **Free Time**: Visit Grandma A Rui’s shop for handcrafted items, each filled with meticulous craftsmanship. Or relax at Zuozuo Café with a cup of coffee while waiting for the sunset. Evening: Witness a Stunning Sunset - **Yujin Bridge or Fields**: Shaxi’s sunset is gentle and healing, and finding the perfect spot to enjoy it is a must. Yujin Bridge is an ideal location, with the evening glow reflecting on the bridge and river, creating a shimmering spectacle. The fields are another great choice, where you can stand amidst the vast landscape and watch the sun set, painting the sky in shades of orange and red like a breathtaking oil painting. II. Transportation Guide - **Self-Drive/Carpool**: Driving or carpooling is recommended, with a 2-hour journey on well-maintained roads and scenic views along the way. Carpooling costs around 80 RMB per person and can be arranged online or locally. - **Bus**: Take a bus from Dali North Bus Station to Jianchuan County, a 2-hour ride, then transfer to a rural minibus to Shaxi, which takes about 40 minutes. This option is time-consuming and less convenient due to transfers. - **Private Car Hire**: Ideal for groups, costing around 400-600 RMB per car, with negotiable rates. Private hire offers convenience and flexibility for itinerary planning. III. Accommodation Recommendation - Dali Hai Tian Ta Jia Guesthouse For a comfortable and relaxing stay in Dali, I highly recommend Dali Hai Tian Ta Jia Guesthouse. - **Stunning Sea Views**: Located near Erhai Lake, it’s just a 3-minute walk to enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Morning sunlight streams into the room, and in the evening, you can sip tea on the balcony, basking in the serene beauty. - **Unique Environment**: The courtyard is filled with succulents, resembling a succulent kingdom with artistic vibes. The guesthouse also features a swimming pool and a cute yellow duck, with a children’s pool for family fun. Its chic and fresh decor makes every corner photo-worthy. - **Thoughtful Service**: The guesthouse provides breakfast, afternoon tea, and bedtime drinks, with warm and friendly staff making you feel at home. - **Convenient Location**: Just 20 km from the airport, a 30-minute taxi ride makes it easily accessible. Nearby attractions include Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Shuanglang Scenic Area, Xiaoputuo, and Luwo Mountain. The tranquility of Shaxi Ancient Town and the comfort of Dali Hai Tian Ta Jia Guesthouse promise an unforgettable travel experience. Come to Dali and discover your own poetry and distant horizons!